Sunday, November 8, 2009

Ok, so does anyone actually read my blog anymore? If not, I don't blame you. Our internet has been out for weeks and going to the internet cafe to sit and wait has been on the bottom of the priority list, as you can imagine :)

I don't even know where to start to tell about all that God has been doing in our lives since I last wrote. I know that my words aren't even close to adequate to describe His goodness and love.

A week ago today, I turned twenty one. I sat in awe as I celebrated with 14 beautiful girls who call me Mommy. (Ok one actually calls me "Maamaaaamammaaa") I wondered why God chose me, little ole twenty one year old me, to be entrusted with so much. There is nothing greater than the responsibility of raising a child to love Jesus. Except maybe raising 14. Words are escaping me. Two years ago today, two we moved into this home. In the last years I have learned more about Jesus, about myself, and about life than I ever could have imagined. I am so thankful. So, so very thankful for the life you have given me Jesus, for entrusting me with so much when I deserve so little...

Last Thursday as I was meeting with some women in the village of Masese, one of them got a call from her brother that there was a child dying near the local steel mill and did she know anyone who could help... So it was off to the steel mill where I met the sickest little boy I have ever seen (I know, I know, I say that every time, but I am serious.... God just gears me up for it a little at a time...) David looked merely dead, breathing shallowly as I took his naked, 15 pound, 4 year old body into my lap. His mom was "scrapping", or digging around the steel mill for nickel-sized pieces of scrap metal that she may be able to sell for 2 cents. As we waited for her to come back, I felt sure that this child was going to breathe his last at any moment. When she got back to their closet-sized home, she explained that her husband had left her for another woman last year when she miscarried (often viewed as a curse in rural villages). Since he has been the only one providing an income for her, David and her other 3 children, and since she had never been to school, she began the practice of picking scrap metal. In just 30 minutes in her yard, WITH shoes on, I cut my feet twice... It broke my hear to think of all the physical pain she was having to endure every day as she cut her hands and feet trying to find this metal that may sell for enough to buy them a small sack of corn flour. She cried as she explained that they had not eaten in three days because no one had wanted to buy her metal. I felt certain that David would not make it through the night, and I am guessing I do not have to tell you what happened next. I scooped him up, put him in the car and took him home where my sweet, loving girls welcomed him with open arms, and we gave him all the ORS and Pediasure he wanted :)

The next day at the hospital, we found that David had sickle cell anemia, which was worsened severely by his chronic malnourishment. While they gave him his blood transfusion, I was very thankful for a doctor that, though he may not know it all, knew more than me. I watched David like a hawk all weekend, making sure he had lots to eat and drink and all his medicines and vitamins at the right time, but he continued to weaken after the initial improvement following his transfusion. He cried all the time as it hurt his little body to sit, to stand, to lay... just to be. He finally gained the strength to stand, but shook the whole time. This morning, when his feet began to swell, I took him to the hospital where I asked that he be admitted. Though they won't do anything different, I imagine, I want his mom to be able to sleep with him and I will feel better with someone who knows more than me about sickle cell supervising. Please pray for sweet David tonight...

At the same time all this was going on, three of my children have had very high fever's and Patricia has had severe pneumonia (they are all doing so much better now, thank you Jesus.) Sleep was infrequent for this Momma and I had a lot of time to just ponder the fragility of life. We are but a vapor. I think we know that we could die tomorrow, or worse that our children could, but do we really KNOW it? You know, LIVE as if we know in our hearts that we are just a breath, that we will wither and fade like the grass and the flowers... I know there are days when I don't. I am not meaning to be morbid, simply realistic. Because I know that if I lived like I really KNEW this truth, if I treated everyone as if they were David and might be taken tomorrow, I would love better. I would hug my children tighter and hold them longer. I would tell people thank you more often and I would tell God thank you more often. I am thankful that as I care for sick children often, this is something I am reminded of often, and I pray that it would change the way I life my life.

Francis Chan wrote, "How we live our days, is how we live our lives." I had to read it several times as I let it soak in. Because it is true. So often we find ourselves waiting for a specific moment, a specific call, something special. For what? How we spend our days... that will be our LIFE. Because today could be it. If Jesus came back today and said, "Let's go!" would we be ready? Would we be doing what we want to be doing when we meet Jesus? People say to me often, "You are so lucky that you found your calling, that you know your purpose in life." This statement boggles my mind. I AM so blessed to live the life that I do. But it isn't rocket science. God did NOT part the sky and shout out to me, "Katie! Serve my people." I read it in His word. You can too. We can all see as plain as day that Jesus says the number one commandment is to love the Lord and love your neighbor. I happened to move to Uganda and love those neighbors, but that is not the point. As believers, we should already KNOW our calling; it is to love the Lord and love our neighbors by caring for them in whatever broken state they are in. When He said that "the poor will always be among us" I don't think he meant that as an excuse not to worry about it but as a reminder that there is ALWAYS a neighbor, no matter where we are, in a worse condition than we are. I can only believe that God created us to make this world a little better. That he designed us in love to show that love to others. I just don't know what everyone is waiting for.

I am so thankful for my sweet children and their beautiful example of loving their neighbors and welcoming them into our home without blinking an eye. When my head is thinking (don't judge me ;) ) "Oh my goodness. God? Do you really think I can handle one more? I was just starting to get used to Josephine being here and the meds schedule she is on... are you really giving me another one?" My girls do not question. They see a baby who needs love and carry him off to feed, bathe and dote on him as if it is the most normal thing in the world. Shouldn't it be? While I am starting to feel overwhelmed, they are feeling overjoyed at the prospect of helping someone else. Oh, what I learn from their beautiful hearts... As I remember the brevity of my life, I pray that I can live more like them. I pray that this whisper that is my time on earth would change the whispers' of my neighbors, would strengthen and enrich them.

So hug your children a little tighter and hold them a little longer. Say thank you to people more often and say thank you to God more often. Love your neighbor well today. We will be trying our best to do the same over on our side of the globe :)

202 comments:

You bet someone still reads your blog sis. I watch it like a hawk. I've been waiting for your next post very very eagerly.

Thank you for sharing your life with us on your blog. Since I found it about a month a go or so now, I've been so encouraged and challenged and comforted as I walk my Christian walk on this side of the globe in the UK.

Think, pray about you as you share.

Eagerly awaiting to exit on this road with the most glorious exit and when I do, I'll be sure to come say hi:-)

Yes! People still read your blog. In fact, I check back religiously :)Girl, you are incredible and I love reading how you are truly changing the world, one kid at a time. Keep writing, you are encouraging a bunch of us here in Lil' ol Washington to pursue something more! Praying for you and your little ones and the countless number of 'David's' in the world!

Good post, Katie. Everyone can use a reminder about how precious life is, and it doesn't take being in Africa to see that, although I know you see it more frequently each day than we do here back in the States. It fills my heart with happiness to read your blog, because I can see how much you love Jesus Christ in the way you write, it's a beautiful thing. Keep seeking His face, always know He will take care of you, and know you and your girls are in my prayers.

Katie,I found your blog a couple weeks ago and have been reading them whenever I get a chance in order to catch up. My husband and I are actually going to Masindi, Uganda in December (which isn't close to you- I looked it up bc I wanted to come visit!!) Anyways, I have been VERY touched and moved by your courage, love, and your passion. Thank you for blogging about your happenings in such a beautiful way. I am getting more and more excited about my mission trip as I read about the children's lives you are touching as you live out God's calling for your life! Be Blessed!!

Katie-So glad to hear from you! Yes, we still check every day to see if you've left an entry on the blog. We know how busy you are and pray for you often. Thank you for giving us glimpses of the work you're doing in Uganda. God is changing hearts here in Texas for the needs of the precious people in your community. And, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! You've changed many lives in your 21 years. We're blessed by you...Much love,Amy

Hello!I read your blog :) Thank you for sharing your heart & loving the peoples of Uganda. Your service does not go unnoticed & It is obvious the glory goes to God. ALL of it. Blessings to you & praying for quick recovery for your sweet babies. <3 Ria Thurston

Amen! Katie, this is beautiful. Thank you again for speaking from the heart. Please hug my sweet Rebecca for me if you see her or even know her. She is the precious little girl that we sponsor through Amazima Ministries. I was thinking earlier today how I hope to meet her in person one day.

Also, I just read in Francis Chan's book (CRAZY LOVE) last night that "the point of our lives is to POINT TO HIM"...that is what you are doing with your life! May that be an example to the rest of us :)

Hey Katie,i just wanted to let you know your are an a mazing girl and you shine with Gods grace, i check your blog everyday to see if something new is up. I look up to you and i want to be like you when i grow up. When i tell people i want to be a missionary they look at me and laugh but i know that i will have true happiness in serving my Lord.. My friend showed me this blog in August and i can never stop reading about your adventures there such an encouragement. and even though you are half way around the world you say stuff we can all apply to our own lives. Keep living the dream. Your Awesome Katie and thanks for sharing your story with me :)

Your life continues to be the most inspirational testimony of JESUS that I have seen. Thank you for sharing your HEART for those precious children and for the incredible example you are to me and my family and so many others. We pray for you daily and count it such a Blessing to walk with you on the journey God has set before you. We pray we will take your lead and continue to think of the least of these and put those words into action. You are the hands and feet of Jesus like no one I have seen.

oh wow! the things going on in your life are amazing. wonders never cease to amaze me. God is good isn't he? You are right though, There are so many things we can do in our own backyard (so to speak) Hospitals, nursing homes, homeless people, orphanages and the likes, if we would just stop and think. We don't have to travel around the world to do good to our neighbour. America is hurting right now too. Joblessness, people losing their homes and not able to eat, so much we can do from where-ever we are. Your words truly touched me and tears stream down my face. You are so filled with wisdom. Thank you for waking us up. I've been looking for my purpose in life for so long and you just showed it to me, so simple but I needed someone to bring it to my attention. Love you dear sister in Christ and child of God,- can't wait till the day I get to Huuggg you. Look out it's gonna be a long one.(hug that is) = -) Love to you and your girls. Many blessings to you. Still praying for you. GBU

We read your blog...and it (He) moves us. Actually, my wife reads it more than I do, but I must say that the story of how God is using you to touch so many lives touches us both. Be encouraged that there are Christ followers all over the globe praying for you and the ministry there. God bless.

You dare not ever wonder if your blog is read. People would rather read it than the daily newspaper! You may not know it, but you are a big deal!!! You do so much for the kids of Uganda. You also do so much for all of us who read your blog. You turn us to the Lover of our souls. You challenge us to live up to what God wants us to do.Thank you, sweet Katie!

Katie,I do not know you, and yet I wanted to say hello. I have been an anonymous reader of your blog for a while now. I appreciate it so much - thank you for posting as often as you do! I pray for you and your children, and I am grateful to know you, and I look forward to meeting in heaven someday. God bless you! From a sister in Christ,Joanna

i am still reading so please don't stop writing!! :) thank you for always sharing your heart and inspiring me. today i will hug my children a little tighter and try to be an example of christ's love to those around me.

Yes, I am still reading...and waiting patiently for your updates. Thank you for all you are doing and for sharing your life -- both with "your" children and with all of those of us who are reading here. Thank you for showing us how you are letting God work through you. Thank you for letting us pray for you. Thank you for the inspiration you give us to make a difference where we are, or where God sends us.

Hi Katie,I do! I do! And Happy Belated Birthday! Thank you for opening our eyes to what God is doing through you in Uganda. I read your blog and almost feel like I'm reading a modern day Bible story. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Amen! You may not realize this, but your blog ministry is just as important as your hands on ministry with the children of Uganda. By "bragging on God," you're spreading His glory and encouraging believers all over the Earth! Again, thank you for being obedient to the Lord.

By the way, I have a dear friend that suffers from Sickle Cell. It's a super painful disease, and unfortunately their's not a cure - not saying our God isn't big enough to heal. We'll pray the Lord will wrap His arm around this little one and ease his pain.

I love and follow your blog constantly. I check, 'almost' daily to make sure I don't miss an update. When you are absent from writing, it just makes each entry that much more sweet to read. I savor & love each word you share. May God Bless You & Your Children! You are an inspiration Katie.

I do! I check your blog almost every day and am always so excited to see a new post. Your words never cease to inspire and encourage me to be a better person. I think about and pray for your ministry and love reading your blog, no matter how much time passes in-between posts. God bless you and your precious children!

Yes I am a reader. My friend is too. She told me about your work. I'm so sorry. I should have been writing to encourage you. I get so wrapped up in my own life. I am lifting you all up in prayer right now. God is using you in a wonderful, mighty way to impact the lives of these children and their families. I am praying that God will give you strength, courage, renewal and rest in His shadow. You are an encouragement to me. God bless you and your little ones. (Isaiah 58)

do we read your blog anymore??? are you kidding...my friend and i were just saying how we were WAITING for your next post. i work for a college ministry and the students women i lead have been impacted by your blog. they are so touched by you and your girls. as am i. we've never met and you don't have a clue who i am, but i feel a love for you, a gratefulness to you, and a deeper love for jesus because of you. praying for david and for all of you.

I check your blog daily still and each time you post a new entry it is the perfect encouragement and/or motivation that I need at that very moment. Gods timing is perfect and there is a reason you write not only the context you write but also in the moment you do. THANK YOU. I have never met you but you are such a blessing in my life.

katie, i heard your story yesterday from a leader at my church who had come to visit uganda. after reading your blogs and seeing your pictures, i'm amazed. seeing what God is doing through you is so exciting. it has really made me see that when we live our lives for God, leaving everything else behind, it becomes more exciting than we could ever imagine. i thank God that He has brought you to those children, to teach them His truth, and most importantly, to love them. i will definitely be praying for you and your girls. god bless <3

Wow Katie! I will be praying for little David as I do for you and your girls. God has been dealing with me this past week on what you just wrote about. I just had to smile at Him as He is being extra loving in nudging me. Thank you for taking the time and energy to post as I know your plate is FULL, but it is such a blessing and inspiration to read. And yes, I still check your blog daily!!!

Well I'm still reading your blog and I am always delighted to see a new posting. Today's was especially eloquent. Thank you for the loving reminder of why I am here. I am lifted up by your honest approach to living God's will, right here, right now, in this very place.

Katie, Uncle Denny said to tell you he loves you and prays for you everyday. We are so glad to hear from you and that all is well. Katie , you are the richest person I know on this earth. If we could all "GET IT", we would just be helping others and waiting on Jesus to return. Love, Uncle D. & Aunt V.

Thank you for sharing about your life in Uganda, I imagine lots of people still read your blog. Thanks for taking the time to get to a cafe to let people in the states know what God is doing in your life. It is inspiring and encouraging, we all have the ability to minister to our neighbors.

Katie, You are an amazing woman of God. Thank you so much for sharing you life and testimony here to bless and encourage others to live well too. If we all just love our neighbors, there will be peace. Our neighbors are everyone!!! You are a wise woman who is willing to live out God's truths. I respect and love you already and am commited to help get funding to you. Thank you again. I have been reading your blog over the past couple of weeks, which as my friends know, is crazy for me to make the time. I am hooked on seeing Jesus at work in you and God's plan revealed for you! I pray for your family. You are a blessing. I am catching up on all that God has done and is doing, and it is amazing! Continue to love well! I know as you continue to pour yourself out as a love offering, God will always fill you with more to give.

Hi, Katie,I still read your posts and they make me cry each time sometimes with they are happy tears. The world is truly a better place with strong and kind souls like you who can make a difference. -Tien

Your words are so inspiring. I think sometimes I get caught up in what I want to do with my life and forget that everyday counts and I can use each and everyday to show people the love of Christ! Thank you for that reminder :)

Yes yes yes we read your blog.. and are humbled and amazed at your life of surrender.. thank you for being real and posting the inner thoughts and feelings of your heart. It truly is challenging and heart wrenching each and every time we look at your posts. God bless you, and God give you great strength as you lean on Him in all of this.

Yes yes yes we read your blog.. and are humbled and amazed at your life of surrender.. thank you for being real and posting the inner thoughts and feelings of your heart. It truly is challenging and heart wrenching each and every time we look at your posts. God bless you, and God give you great strength as you lean on Him in all of this.

What a blessing you are! God is using you as an amazing vessel of His love. Thank you for your obedience to Him and thank you for calling fellow believers to be obedient to Christ's command to love our neighbors. I, too, have been reading Chan and have been so convicted of the way I live my life. I want to be used! I am so restless for God ordained opportunities. I will be praying for David and his mother. Thank you, God, for Katie's sweet children who are a mirror of Your love.

Katie, I read your blog ... in fact, it's on my blog roll. You are an inspiration, especially to my 7 and 9 year old daughters who see what God can do through someone who is willing. He can do "hard things." Thank you that you share your life and your journey! :)

This is my first comment on here even though I've been following your blog for a long time (maybe 6 months or longer?) Just wanted you to know that this blog inspires me and is such a blessing. Please keep the updates coming. You have opened my eyes to a lot.

I do not know how I stumbled on your blog, but I have been reading over EVERY word for weeks. I can't get over the amazing story of your life. May God continue to bless you through the people you reach daily.Heather (in Virginia)

"... and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then you light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Is 58:10-11. I've been praying this verse for you Katie! May He strengthen your frame and may your waters never fail!

Thank you! As a new mom, I too wonder how I could be so blessed with such a gift as my daughter. I know she was perfectly designed for me by my Maker on the other side of the world but I don't know why He chose me. Thank you for openly sharing what you go through so we will feel the desire to want to love Him more and serve Him more and do the little things such as love your neighbor. It doesn't matter where in the world we are...it matters that we call ourselves Christians and that we are in on the mission field when we step and love our neighbor where ever we are. God uses you to inspire me to be more and do more for Him and His kingdom. Thank you.

I'm still here Katie...not going anywhere. Your blog is in my google reader thingie and so anytime you post I get to read it! I'm always encouraged and challenged through your posts...you make me want to do more, love more, give more, pray more (you and Gwen :)

Happy Birthday Katie!You, your children, and your organization is on my heart and in my prayers!!! One week from Sunday I spent an entire day reading your blog from start to finish... God is doing a work through you and I am asking Him what He would have me do now... today... tomorrow... etc.

Oh Katie! God bless you! I come to your blog every day to see if you have posted another incredible story. Your passion inspires me. I have been praying for you ever since I found your blog. God has even better things in store for your willing heart! Give the girls a kiss from a fellow sister in Christ in Oklahoma City! And as always... keep trusting HIM!!

Oh Katie! God bless you! I come to your blog every day to see if you have posted another incredible story. Your passion inspires me. I have been praying for you ever since I found your blog. God has even better things in store for your willing heart! Give the girls a kiss from a fellow sister in Christ in Oklahoma City! And as always... keep trusting HIM!!

Katie, I DO read your blog still and understand your delays in new postings. I just wanted to drop a line and say thank you for the example you set for all of us. Thank you for reminding me not to wait. Now, I pray that I would have the courage to step out even though I dont know the "how." Thanks for who you are and the way that you serve our Lord. I dont know how to sign on this blogger thing, so it will come up as anonymous, but I am not. My name is Trina Scoda and I just happen to be blog illiterate! (-;

Katie, I was pointed to your blog this summer by a friend and have read it ever since! Thank you for your faithfulness to the calling of God each day, one moment at a time. Every time you post I am inspired and encouraged.

YES Katie! People still ready your blog! I check it several times a day to see if you have updated it. You are such an inspiration to me as a mother. I have three very young children, and we are now in the process of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. THANK YOU for your constant example of living the life that God intended for you!

O yes, people read your blog! Those of us who don't do fb and find little time at the computer, but when I do and I read your blog my heart is drawn to Christ as it is when I read Amy Carmichael. I weep and I pray...for you and your children..for the children of Africa, that otherworld-place where two of my precious grandchildren were born..and I pray for myself and for the American Church, so fat in things and so lean in our souls. I stumbled onto your blog trying to find my 16 year old daughter's new blog a few months ago..Her name is Katie and she is lovingly known as 'Auntie Katie' by her 7 nieces and nephews. Coincidence? Nah! Providence. She just received her 'Pick me' tshirt from your friends-bought w/her own $ made from her very first violin lessons given. Her dear daddy went home to live with Jesus in Paradise just over three years ago. Reading your dad's post about your girls calling him Papa thrilled me for that is what our granchildren called my husband. I hope our (she is still her daddy's little princess even though he is with Jesus)Katie will one day come to that large dark continent. Her daddy came three times-once to Uganda. He was a preacher of the pure Gospel, lovingly known as the Mzungu mza (?)--'old white man' May our God sustain you and hold you close in your loneliest hours; He is able. a fellow pilgrim, Kathy Strevel Mississippi

Katie! Wow, I've read your entire blog and am blown away and have cried several times! Your life and heart is so beautiful! You are willing to risk and love and give everything you have and it is so inspiring! I am moving to Uganda in 2 weeks so it has encouraged me and challenged me to get a glimpse of what your life is like there. I'm praying for you that you would experience huge amounts of God and live in the midst of His love that never runs dry as you give it all away for Him! It would be great to connect with you sometime once I move over there. Lots of love, Amy

Katie! Wow, I've read your entire blog and am blown away and have cried several times! Your life and heart is so beautiful! You are willing to risk and love and give everything you have and it is so inspiring! I am moving to Uganda in 2 weeks so it has encouraged me and challenged me to get a glimpse of what your life is like there. I'm praying for you that you would experience huge amounts of God and live in the midst of His love that never runs dry as you give it all away for Him! It would be great to connect with you sometime once I move over there. Lots of love, Amy

Katie! Wow, I've read your entire blog and am blown away and have cried several times! Your life and heart is so beautiful! You are willing to risk and love and give everything you have and it is so inspiring! I am moving to Uganda in 2 weeks so it has encouraged me and challenged me to get a glimpse of what your life is like there. I'm praying for you that you would experience huge amounts of God and live in the midst of His love that never runs dry as you give it all away for Him! It would be great to connect with you sometime once I move over there. Lots of love, Amy

Yes Katie....I read and check in on you daily. I cry as I read and realize how much I need to do to serve the way Jesus would serve. You are so inspiring and you are right...it is written in His word plainly and simply. We are to do this, be His hands and feet.

Thank you Katie, Sweet blessings and protection to you and ALL of your beautiful children.

So glad to have you back here! Your words resonate in my heart, and I love, love, love hearing yours! I can just picture those beautiful girls swooping David up and caring for him. They are learning from a beautiful role model what loving Jesus and loving others looks like.:) Love you!

Like so many others, I check your blog daily. :) Whenever a friend asks me for a book suggestion, I tell them, "Go to kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com and read it from begining to end! Best read you will ever find, and much more inspiring!" I mean it, too!!

21 and a mother of 14. To think most people (including myself) can't wait to turn 21 so they can drink legally. Boy how many stupid and useless things I did when I was your age. (I am now 39). Thank you for listening to God's still small voice at a relatively young age.

Thankful that there is nothing more- or less - that we can do to make God love us. He is gracious and forgiving.

yes, we are still reading . . .and telling others to read and be blessed!thank you for your heart for Him and for His children - I'm so thankful for the amazing example you set . . .i will be praying!!!

I think what you wrote on this blog is exactly what Soren Kierkegard meant when he said we Christians are swindlers who don't take the Bible serious. We use matters of academia to be our excuse for not understanding the Word. When in reality it is quite simple...you love people like crazy and you love God like crazy and there shouldn't be an ounce of unjust going on. However, sometimes we are just idle and lazy americans (sorry I had to say it). Keep challenging and being used by our Lord (remember Deborah was an amazing judge whom God used to free his people from oppression).

Thank you for reminding us love is an action. You are doing so much good for people around the world (I'm from Australia) not just in Uganda. I love your humbleness andhumility, telling us that we can all lead a life like yours,it's sotrue. Praying for you and your beautiful girls and little David. Thank you Katie - Joanps Happy 21st Birthday

It doesn't matter if you post once a month or once a year, we pray for you daily. I came across your blog a few months ago and you have been such an inspiration to our whole family. We read your blog as part of our family devotion time. What a beautiful example you are, especially for my 12 and 9 year old daughters.

We are a family with a heart for orphans (completing our first adoption of a 9 year old boy from Guatemala this month). Perhaps God will lead us to Uganda next. But for now, we will continue to pray for a beautiful young woman with a mighty ministry.

Happy birthday! I hope your day was as special as you and may the coming year be full of many blessings. You've done more in your 21 years than most do their entire lives.

I will join all the other voices and scream YES!!!! I check your blog daily and when there is no post, I figure you are really busy (as Renee posted) and so I pray all the more for you. My heart breaks with what I imagine you are seeing daily. And no judgement for your words to God! Why would I judge? He is our Friend and Father. You can question Him about anything, really, He'll listen. Lots of love and hugs from this Nebraska grandma.

I must be reading the same book you are right now by Francis Chan. It is a good one. Thank you for the reminder that I don't need to leave my small section of the world to love my neighbors. I am praying for you. Be blessed today! And thank you for being such a blessing to me! Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! -this is your birthday song, it isn't very long, Hey!

Your name and your children are in my thoughts consistantly. I cannot tell you what your words and life have done to my heart and my way of thinking. Thank you for hearing Him and sharing His love with all of us. You inspire me to do now and not wait for tomorrow.

Yes, we still ready! I am so challenged over what you are doing with your life. I am sure you hear it all the time, but you have done what so many of us can't do and won't do. Keep seeking the Lords will girl. You are doing great!

Hi Katie,How humbling...I'm a foster and adoptive parent and in charge of our county's Heart Gallery- we had a photo shoot this past week and added 48 new kids to our gallery. My heart has been so heavy for these precious ones that God would provide a forever family for them....and then I read your comments and I realize how easy I have it. It truly is living out what God has called you to do-and you are exactly right it is NOT rocket science- it's "whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might!" I am so proud of you and all that God is doing in and through you, precious one. Love and blessings, Christie :)

Katie, praying for sweet Michael. Being a mother of young boys, his story hearts my heart. Hug Suzanne for me...in case she forgets to tell you, we are going to get Mia this weekend :-)Love and prayers...

Yes Katie, still reading your blog & check everyday in anticipation for some inspiring post you might have...one that will call me to strive for more of the Lord. I am hoping, with my husband, to be in Uganda at some point next year to help in your ministry.Love, Wendy Simmons

btw, i have a 2 year old David & your blog today had me crying and praying for your David. thank you for being the hands & feet of Jesus in Uganda. thank you for encouraging us to be the hands & feet of Jesus where ever are.

Hi Katie, I started reading your blog two months ago when a friend sent it to me. God has used your blog to change me. I am a mother of two young children who has been overwhelmed with life and pretty miserable. I have had a real struggle with the fear of man all my life, which has made me pursue after empty things. Reading your blog truly humbled me. She has 14 children and I cannot even get myself together with 2. God is opening my eyes and showing me that true happiness and fulfillment comes from fearing him. There is no life in the things of this world. Life comes when you are enthralled with his love and you are trusting him for your every breath. Your stories and your passion for Christ is amazing. I want to know Christ more and I want to have life to the fullest. God has also used you to give me a passion for orphans. My husband and I have decided to start the process of adoption. We really feel the Lord calling us to Uganda. I just wanted to let you know that God is truly using your life to bring glory to his name!

I was so touched by your outrage post back in August that I have formed a group of women who are sewing colored pencil rolls for your school children. Has Gwen told you about our project? Well, it is coming along nicely and when Gwen comes over in December she will be bringing 500 pencil rolls with her!

Thank you for what you are doing and please know that even though we aren't over there with you we are doing our best to serve and to love over here.

Please keep sharing your journey with us so that we can all learn and grow from it.

Hi Katie, May the Lord continue to bless you and your work and your family! Do you realize that you are raising an army of strong, resourceful young men and women to carry on your good deeds and compassion? You are making a bigger impact than you know.

I check your blog very often, just waiting for another glimpse of your beautiful heart and what the Lord is doing in your life. Thank you Lord for, Katie and her heart for you. Thank you for 21 years of life. Bless the year to come.

HELLO THERE! I am a stranger yet a sister, and new follower of your blog! Please do not stop updating! You are so inspiring .. in more ways than you can imagine! Thank you for being so sacrificial of your life! Thank you for being so obedient to GOD's calling! You will be hearing from me again! Right now I am at a "waiting" time of my life.. a "seeking" time for direction, and a "listening" time for what His calling is for my family!! But I keep coming back to your blog.. feeling such a connection... Thank you for being apart of this period of my life! YOU ARE A BLESSING IN MORE WAYS THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE!!! KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!!!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

Katie,I ran into your mom at Publix in Brentwood (recognized her from your blog). What a beautiful energetic woman! Praying for you and your kids! Julie J (PS I got to Strong Tower with Gwen and Suzanne)

Yep, we are still here! I continue to be blessed and inspired by every post. You speak such big truth so clearly, and it is amazing to see how God is using you around here (in Murfreesboro!) to spur the hearts of His people to get to work and start caring for the orphans and adopt! Bless you as you serve Him alongside your daughters. I pray for the Lord to heal that fragile little boy of the sickle cell and for complete restoration of his body.Happy birthday!

A heart fixed on Jesus is one of the sweetest and most blessed encouragements to His people. Keep serving, loving, helping, and being the person that God has called you to be. For, we are but a vapor, yet the time we do have can be some of the sweetest moments for the neighbors around us. thank you Katie.

yes your blog is read, by friends, and strangers- and I fall in the last category! 2 of my 4 adult children were serving in Uganda this past August and one of my other children came across your blog- we are humbled and inspired! My son goes to Uganda at least once a year.. he is part of the Uganda Water Project- He and his family have a heart for Africa for years- we continue to follow you and continue to pray for you, your family and your ministry- THANK YOU!

I know this man you are in the photo with. Megan:: Suncandy80@yahoo.com:: sent me a link to your blogspot. I will keep you in my prayers sister. Your love for Jesus and courage to trust Him has quickened my heart. I also know what it is like to sit at the cyber cafe in Jinja. My heart is still there. (with the children in Uganda) you are so blessed.Thank you for blessing my life.Jennifer Thibodeaux...find me on facebook as well.In His service.

Oh yes dear Katie, I read. And learn. And receive encouragement. And pray. And cry. And think about you and all your dear little ones often. I check back here pretty often to see if you have posted--I guess you might call me a blog stalker. ;) Wishing you a belated happy birthday and blessings for this next year!

You are simply amazing and every time I stop by here ( stalking your blog every 5 minutes) I am blown away by your words and your life. Thank you for being willing to share. You are wise beyond your years.

Thankyou Katie. Thankyou for stopping for the one. Thankyou for loving David. Thankyou for your obedience. Thankyou for sharing your life on this blog so that we may be encouraged and Jesus may be glorified!! Thankyou for challenging us to live for Jesus today, because today is all we ever have. Thank you!

My mom just told me about your blog and I know exactly how you feel (about "why me"). My family is adopting and I just get to wondering why is it me that gets to have such a blessing as it truely is. God has surely blessed you and in what you are doing. Thank you for being such a life saver to the people of Uganda. I'll be praying for you. God Bless!!!

My mom just told me about your blog and I know exactly how you feel (about "why me"). My family is adopting and I just get to wondering why is it me that gets to have such a blessing as it truely is. God has surely blessed you and in what you are doing. Thank you for being such a life saver to the people of Uganda. I'll be praying for you. God Bless!!!

My dear sister Katie, I will keep reading until my eyes can no longer see, or your hands can no longer write. Both of which I pray to God will not happen for many, many long years. You have encouraged my heart with your stories of relying on God and learning the meaning of faith. Grace, mercy, peace, faith, and love to you. God bless you with all spiritual riches!

Wow!!I'm a welder by trade and currently out of work in Alaska. As I sit by my fire tonight and read your blog, I remember that I just threw away a bunch of little pieces of steel. What was a nuisance to me would have fed this family for a week. I wept as I read about that starving boy and I am reminded of just how blessed I am. Thank you for ministering to my heart with your blog.Keep up the good work Pat

Does anyone read??? haha almost comical. you're my homepage.. haha I don't even know you. But I want to make sure that I don't miss a single episode in the saga. :-) Its encouraging and challenging. Thank you :-)

I've just been introduced to your blog by two other blog comments this week. =] God is doing some great work through you Katie! I hope that as I catch up on old entries that I can get to know you better.

My son had a peanut reaction this past week, and I, too, was reminded of the brevity of this life. Thank you, Jesus, for my sweet Adam, and for Katie's sweet children (who are well now!), and for precious David. Hold him in Your loving care.

Oh, I read your blog! I'm a good friend of Stephanie Dykes which is how I heard about you. I also work at Ravenwood. I spend every morning reading your blog entries. Many mornings I end up with tears in my eyes. You have challenged me in many ways Katie. I want to selflessly serve God the way that you do!

Oh yes, I read your blog! I am a good friend of Stephanie Dykes and I work at Ravenwood. I start my mornings off with your blog entries everyday. Many mornings I end up with tears in my eyes. You have challenged me in so many ways Katie. I want to selflessly serve God the way that you do!

Ha! I'm sitting here laughing at the 191 comments on this post..."If any of you still read my blog". I think you have your answer. :) I am always thrilled to see a post from you, Katie because you mirror the Father's heart so well and are an encouragement to all of us to do the same. You are so right - life is so short. God, help us to live all out for you TODAY. Give us your perspective.

Keep seeking wisdom as to which children to bring into your home, and He will guide you.

I learned several years ago to rejoice in each and every day that I have my children. While my oldest son was serving in Iraq (and facing death daily) my youngest son became deathly ill with bacterial meningitis. He was in a coma for a week. And, he will now tell you, "God took me to heaven, twice, but then he let me come home." We rejoice that the Lord allowed our precious Elijah to come home; yet we know that we all live on borrowed time. Today could be my day to meet my Maker, or it could be the day for any of my 13 children, whether in Iraq, or safe at home.

Aren't Frances Chen's books amazing? Wow! His words have spoken powerfully to our family. Have you heard about his new book, on the Holy Spirit?

yes, Katie, I still read your blog. I used to check it daily, then it dawned on me that you were probably too busy to write everyday. so now, I check every other day. :) You are a tremendous inspiration and I pray for you often. God bless you sister. :) praying for you and everyone that enters your path. tereza

Oh I do still read your blog! I check almost everyday for an update! You are a wonderful inspiration and I feel blessed to have stumbled upon your story. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you for your ministry!!!

Katie,You may view your main ministry as to your precious children and your neighbors in Uganda, but you also have a huge ministry to each of us who read your blog! Jesus shines through you! You have a heart after His and a boldness and gentleness to share it with each of us. Quite often the Lord brings to my mind something He laid on yours to share. Thank you for your love, your sacrifice and your willingness to give up the "American Dream" for His dream instead (which is so much better!) You show us the Biblical truth that it is far better to give than to receive!

Well, by your 199 comments and counting you know by now that you still have bloggers following your site! :)

I've been showing your blog to my 2 year old daughter who I just came home with from China. We are now going to go and sign her up to sponsor a child from your ministry. What better way to start 2010! Because...as you said, it's how we live EACH day!